Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts offer a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic treat with a cozy, seasonal twist. These donuts are fluffy on the inside, perfectly crisp on the outside, and coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar blend that highlights the sweetness of apple cider.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 can (16.3 ounces) flaky biscuits
• 1 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a tray with parchment paper or set out a wire rack to cool the finished donuts.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon; set this mixture aside for coating the donuts later.
3. Step 3: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat until it reduces slightly, intensifying the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: Open the biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Use a small round object, like a water bottle cap, to punch out the centers and create donut shapes.
5. Step 5: Prepare your air fryer basket by lining it with a parchment round or lightly spraying with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Place four donuts at a time in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch so they can puff and brown evenly. Remove any that are too snug.
7. Step 7: Air fry the donuts at 350°F for 3 minutes. Carefully flip them, then air fry for an additional 3 minutes.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cooked donuts to the prepared tray or wire rack. Repeat the process with the remaining biscuit dough.
9. Step 9: While the donuts are still warm, brush both sides with the reduced apple cider, then toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Make sure each donut is fully coated.
10. Step 10: Serve the donuts warm and enjoy their irresistible flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar coating.
• If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little apple cider and drizzle over the donuts instead of coating.
• Use gluten-free biscuit dough to make a gluten-free version of these donuts.
• Make miniature donuts by using smaller biscuit dough pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to restore softness and flavor. For best taste, enjoy fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled apple cider or fresh juice for the reduction?

Yes, bottled apple cider or fresh apple juice can be reduced to add flavor. Just be sure to simmer it until it thickens slightly to concentrate the sweetness.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these donuts in a conventional oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

These Air Fryer Apple Cider Donuts are a quick and delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple cider with a light, fluffy texture. Using canned biscuit dough and an air fryer, this recipe makes perfectly shaped, soft donuts coated in a spiced sugar blend, delivering cozy autumn vibes with minimal effort and time.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 8 donuts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider

Dough

• 16.3 ounce can flaky biscuits

Instructions

1. Prepare the Donut Station: Line a tray with parchment paper or set out a wire rack to place finished donuts on for cooling and coating.
2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon; set aside as the coating for the donuts.
3. Reduce Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for a few minutes until slightly reduced to concentrate the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Shape the Donuts: Open the biscuit dough can and separate each biscuit. Use a small round object like a water bottle cap to punch out the centers of each biscuit, creating the traditional donut shape.
5. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with a parchment paper round or lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
6. Air Fry Donuts in Batches: Place four donuts in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch so that they can puff and brown evenly. Remove any excess donuts if space is tight.
7. Cook Donuts: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes, then flip the donuts over and cook for another 3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
8. Cool Donuts: Transfer the hot donuts to the prepared tray or wire rack and repeat the air frying process with remaining dough.
9. Brush and Coat: While still warm, brush both sides of each donut with the reduced apple cider, then immediately toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture to completely coat every surface.
10. Serve: Enjoy the donuts while warm and fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

• Using parchment paper or a wire rack allows the donuts to cool evenly without sogginess.
• The reduced apple cider adds a concentrated, tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
• For best results, ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and browning.
• You can substitute the small round cutter with a bottle cap, knife, or any small circular object to make donut holes.
• These donuts are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in the air fryer.
• This recipe uses canned biscuit dough for convenience; homemade dough can be substituted if preferred but may alter cooking time.

Keywords: apple cider donuts, air fryer donut recipe, cinnamon sugar donuts, quick donut recipe, fall desserts, easy homemade donuts